God how she wanted to strangle her mother who always did this to her. She was not interested in studying further. But it does not mean she is a complete wasted case in studies. She did have a degree. Well that was after so much struggle.

But what to do? She was so immersed in this home and she was not interested in sophisticated studies and big big job outside this place that was her world. But who understood her?

At that moment she felt something and turned to see her bava standing there leaning on her room door frame with his hands crossed across his front. She stood like a statue with her one of her langa oni set in her hand.

He moved to her in a slow but steady pace while Vennela stood unmoving. Since her room was close to the garden side of the house and since her room window was open, a very nice pleasant breeze blew. Vennela’s oni she was wearing moved aside for the impact and gave him a view of her waist and navel.

This was his problem. He never looked at women in suggestive manner even while they fell on him wearing all revealing outfit while this one woman managed to drive him crazy even while fully covered. He never thought traditional dress had such perks. A peek at her waist and he always went crazy.

Vennela frowned at the line of his sight and looked down to see her oni that had moved aside revealing her mid. She immediately dropped the set in her hand and tried adjusting her oni when she felt him so close to her. Before she could react, she felt his hand holding her hand from trying to cover herself.

“Bava?”

She looked up with her eyes wide.

“This dress is..”

She frowned. Din’t he like..

“So distracting!”

“Huh!?”

“Hyderabad lo ivi vesukoku! Then I will be fighting and throwing away guys. And I don’t like competition”

Saying he left her hand and moved out but on the way back of his hand brushed her waist letting butterflies flutter inside her. The blood rushed to her face and she blushed to the root of her hair. She stood there smiling still feeling his hand on her mid when her amma came and hit her forehead.

“Nee mental meme barinchaledu. Mari ninnu Hyderabad theesukeltanantunnadu. Papam! We ourselves cannot take your madness and he is taking you with him to Hyderabad. Pity!”

Vennela glared at her mother and started stuffing her clothes inside getting another blast from her mother who packed her clothes neatly.

Then she came down and saw her Naagulu bava and felt pity for him. But.. well.. She had deal with her Bava first. Naagulu was her best buddy here. He will not take it seriously. She just needs to show him that they were not a good match.

She rushed to her Bava’s car and was about to sit when she heard her father.

“Ee mental daani theesukeltunnav.. Yem ibbandhi..”

She growled. Her family.. But she saw her Bava smile. She waved for her family from the passenger seat and settled down on her Bava’s call.

“Seat belt!”

She wore it and saw him looking at her scowling.

“You know to wear seat belt”

“I live in village bava not in hell hole!”

He chuckled. Only Vennela can think like this. He started the car and they crossed the gate.

“I said you not to wear this”

“You said Hyderabad!”

“I am in Hyderabad too”

“You are my bava”

“That makes it worse!”

Vennela’s eyes widened.

“Bava. Oka maata cheppu”

“Oka mata”

She growled. Taking her chances she gave him one smack on his head.

“Hey! I am driving!”

“Me crazy”

“Asking or saying?”

“BAVA!”

“Ok ok! What did you want to ask me?”

“Why are you taking me to Hyderabad with you? And Do not give me the lame reasons you gave to Mavaiyya”

Jai took a deep breath.

“I want mom to meet you.”

Vennela scrunched her face.

“Adenti Momu, Bombu ani? Chakkaga Amma anaka?”

He glared at her. Here he was saying something important and this girl. Now he wanted to smack her. But who would bear the consequences. She will eat his brain.

“Vennela!”

“Why you did not say this reason to Mavaiyya?”

“Nana knows”

“Bava! Why do you always talk like some Jalebi maker?”

“Only you can think of food at this time Vennela. I want Amma to meet you and Nana knows this. But your parents might not support this given they are looking for groom for you. And you staying with me..”

“Urh! Talking to you is waste. Naaku nidra vastundi. Illu vache mundu lepu. Wake me up. I dont want Atthaiyya to see me with sleepy face for first time. Good night. Happy Driving”

She turned facing outside and closed her eyes making Jai’s jaws drop down. Here he was.. And she was sleeping? That too folding her hands across her front?

Urh! This girl will drive him crazy. But he was happy that he would let his mother know about Vennela. And he knew that Vennela was the only one who could make his mother return back to his father. This was just fringe benefit while the true benefit was for him. He could spend more time with his maradalu without the hinderance of his big jumbo family. And in city who was going to stop them.

Smiling to himself he drove towards his Hyderabad home, where he would discover his true feelings for his maradalu, his crazy Vennela.

Jai and babayi were on their way back to Renachintala when Babayi suddenly asked him to stop the jeep.

“Nanna! Annaiyya will definitely not like this.”

“What babayi? You expect me to.. When he held Nana’s collar..”

“I know Jai. But Annaiyya never wanted to fight and he definitely will not like this. Its better you stay low for sometime.”

“If they ask for it, then they deserve it babayi”

Saying Jai ignited the jeep and they reached home in sometime. And as expected Deva was waiting for them.

“Where have you been Jai?”

“We went to meet someone he knew of here”

Babayi covered for him.

“The circumstances are not any better here. Its better if you leave for hyderabad immediately.”

Saying Deva left with Babayi on his tow.

Jai wanted to shout, say no. He had just got to know his father and how much he loved him. And the family who loved him so much that they celebrated every moment of his life even when he was not there with them. How can he leave them and go?

And Vennela? He turned holding his head when he saw her standing there on the mezzanine behind a pillar.

“Venn..”

But she vanished into her room even before he could utter her name. Irritated he went to his room too. On his way he stopped at the door of her room and so wanted to bang her door and ask her to come out. But what would he say? What would she think?

Life lo.. For first time he felt his confidence shunning him. Stomping he walked to his room. After changing, he tried sleeping but it had deserted him too. He wandered and paced his room tiring himself to sleep.

He woke up irritatingly because of lack of sleep and whatever he could manage was disturbed by the noise. He sat up and cleared his vision to see Vennela standing there holding the end of her oni and playing with it.

Frowning he concentrated on her face which showed nothing. He scowled.

“Bava”

Oh the way she called him. No one ever had done and no one had this effect on him.

He called. She turned and stood there looking at him. She said nothing and he could say nothing. She stood for sometime and seeing nothing coming from him she let her oni go.

“If you want anything.. Well. I will be down. Amma pilistondi Bava”

And she rushed out. Jai wanted to break something.

Vennela straight went to the terrace parapet and stood there not knowing what to do. For a moment she felt that her Bava would say something. But nothing! Last night too when mavaiyya asked him to return back to Hyderabad, he could have said something. But nothing. But could she blame him? No!

The circumstances were really bad here and anything happening to her Bava! She cannot even think of it. He might be the lion tiger and fierce and fiery. But she could not even take the thought of him being in any danger. Its better that he goes back.

Well.. she will miss him. But his safety is important. Wiping her tears she turned around to see Jai standing there leaning on the terrace door frame looking at her intensely.

“What are you doing here?”

She coughed.

“Nothing”

“Umhummm..”

Saying he moved forward. She stood there holding the end of her oni and playing with it. He stood in front of her and took a nice long look at her from her head to toe. She could not help the color spreading on her cheeks.

Deva who followed them also stood as if he had been hit by something. He went to his brother and held his shoulders who turned to him with his eyes holding so much emotions.

But Deva smiled and walked him down the steps and took him to the crowd who were all smiling and crying at the same time. Jai and Vennela followed them and saw their family leaving way and Arjun and Manasa came into their line of sight.

Vennela’s eyes widened and she looked at Jai who was looking ahead showing nothing and watched the drama unfolding.

Deva took Adi to Arjun who was getting the love of ladies of the house who were looking at him with teary eyes. As soon as Adi was in front of Arjun, he stood holding his hands to the front and bowed his head down.

Adi remembered how a 10 years old Arjun used to do the same whenever he goofed up something and Adi used to stand glaring at him. But he never had the courage to punish him then neither did he now. He went forward and pulled his hands apart and straightened his face making him meet his eyes.

“Ela unnavu Nanna?”

He asked and Arjun could not hold back. He hugged him tight hiding his face in his arms. Adi could not hold back his tears too.

“Sorry Mavaiyya!”

Was all arjun could say. Manasa smiled seeing Arjun for once coming out of his usual chirpy mask.

“Chi chi! Sorry enti asiyanga?”

Adi said chuckling. He saw his wife and smiled.

“Our son is back”

He said pulling out and ruffling Arjun’s hair. She smiled too. But then he frowned at Manasa who was standing there.

“She is..”

Jai and Vennela came forward.

“You are right! She is Siva reddy’s daughter.”

Adi looked at Arjun who looked everywhere and everyone could see his ears turning red. Adi chuckled.

“After 12 years we see you and you..”

“Mavaiyya..!”

“Enti ra Mavaiyya lavaiyya antu?”

“Mavaiyya.. Remember me telling on my birthday that Iragavaram people are our relatives as well?”

Adi looked at Vennela who grinned showing her eyes to Manasa who smiled. Adi raised his brow at Arjun whose ears turned more pink making Jai chuckle.

“If you are done blushing like bride, do the honors of introducing your fiance to your family Mr. Dondapati.”

Arjun glared at Jai while Adi and other family members were surprised. Manasa smiled and stood beside Arjun. Adi went near Arjun with his eyebrow raised and went around him once. Then standing in front of him he slowly raised his arm and suddenly pulled his ears making him wince.

“Ahh! Mavaiyya!”

“Appude Ammayi kuda padesava?”

“What did I do? Thane naa venta padindi. I just accepted”

Manasa pinched his arms making everyone laugh. Deva came to them and smiled.

“Kamala would be so happy”

“Yes Anna. Akka would be really happy. The sons of this house have returned at last”

They all went inside and Arjun looked around the house that hadn’t changed much.

“Enti Thindiramudu? What are you looking at?”

“Searching for your long lost brain!”

He said glaring at Vennela.

“To find her brain you should have some brain which is long lost too I believe?”

Jai came there with a giggling Manasa on tow.

“Hey Gym body!”

“Enti Thindi ramudu?”

Arjun glared at Vennela who shrugged.

“When you give me a name, why will I stay put?”

“Seriously?”

“From now on learn to respect Mr.! I am your bava!”

“Huh!?”

“Correct! You should call him Bava Arjun”

“Vennu?”

“Akka!”

“HEY!”

He did not know what to do as all three were troubling him. Then he grinned. He took out his mobile and showed something to Jai that made his eyes widen.

“Arjun?”

“Well.. Vennu..”

“No!”

“Manasa..”

“Rei!”

Jai made a go for it and Arjun jumped.

“Amma!”

And he ran. Jai ran behind him.

“Give that to me!”

“No way!”

“Arjun!”

“Gym body”

“Arhh!”

Behind them ran the girls trying to understand what was happening. Soon the place was full of laughter seeing these 4 running around like a bunch of toddlers.

Orey oar aatril,Ore or odamIn a River, In a boat,Thalladum ennai thaanguvaanaawill he uphold me as I stagger in it?Vaa endru kattalaiyittaanaaMuthathil kaivilangittaanaKaithaaginaal devasenaHe orders me to followHe arrests me with his kissesoh this Devasena is imprisoned.

Nana nana nana nana nana…Nana nana nana nana nana…

Than porkalamaiEn maarbil eri poridumMei veeranaaThe true warrior who makes a warfield out of my chestEndhan kodayai mel eriNaattava moganaaShall I place my flag on you oh my attractive woman?Vaalin munaiyilEngengoa muthamVaithidum arakkanaaThe demon who kisses me everywhere,with the tip of his swordVaayin munayil maayangalKaattavaa kaaminaaShall I show magics in the corner of your lips
oh my desirable woman?

Ohoooohooo ohoooohoooEgaantha kaalam maatrinaaanaaOh he did change the times of lonelinessOhoooohooo ohoooohoooThee pol en meedhu patrinaaanaaTheekolamaai devasenaHe caught on to me like a fireAnd Devasena burns in that fire of desire

Vennela stood in front of the mirror looking at all the makeup torture her family has put her through for the monkey fellow from US. She heard the monkey say,

“Its okay, she will learn to adjust. I will make sure she is comfortable”

Who was he to change her? But she did not know what to do! They have completely closed every way for her to escape. And her Mavaiyya this time personally asked her not to mess this up for her parents who are anxious to get her married. She remembered the conversation.

“Vennela? What is wrong amma? Do you like someone?”

But what can she tell him when her Athaiyya did not reply neither did her bava. So she just stood there.

“If the boy is ready, we can approach him now. For us, your happiness is important. Your parents are really worried with each rejection.”

Was bava ready? Did he reciprocate her feeling? She did not know. May be she knew but wanted him to come out clear.

He said and moved out. Vennela got a little courage. Her mavaiyya has always been like a pillar supporting everyone in this family. Mainly her.

Everything went on smoothly. The guy really liked her it seems. She was made to look demure, shy while she was not. She was to move to US with him, adjust to his habits, his routine.. Blah blah blah.

But all her concentration was one person who cared less about everything here. As she kept looking at her phone for any kind of response, she saw him entering. She kept looking at him. So did he.

She saw her father nearing her. But she had eyes only for one man. She heard her father saying that the guy would change her, take her to US and she would be happy. But nothing reached her as her eyes held her Bava’s in question.

“I cannot think anyone else as my life partner. Could you?”

But his were devoid of any emotion. But suddenly his voice shook her.

“Pedda inti sambandhamo America sambandhamo ayithe thanu santhosanga undathu mavaiyya. She will not be happy in wealthy place or any America.”

She frowned at him. What is he saying?

“Thanu eppudu navvuthu unde la chooskune vaadu untene thanu santhosanga untundi. She will be happy only with a person who could always keep her smiling.”

She did not know what she felt at that moment. But she felt light. Till now she had a doubt. But now it was clear as water. All those moments in Hyderabad were not just hers, but his too. She looked into his eyes.

“Ekkado dooranga unde prapanchaniki pampiste thanu navvutu brathikedi mavaiyya. Thana lo unde andamayina prapanchani preminche vaadu dorikitene thanu sontosanga untundi. If you send her to a different world afar, she will smile and live. But she will be genuinely happy only if she gets a person as a life partner who could love her beautiful world.”

She always knew her Bava was very intense person. But this? How accurately he had noticed her. This was her world. This place, her family and her Mavaiyya who cared for her more than her parents. She knew that he was standing there watching the drama unfold. And she knew that he would be happy with this because she was so sure that he would not want to lose his son whom he just got back and also not to lose her whom he has loved as his own daughter.

Then she heard her bava.

“Maarchuvadaniki thanu lopam kadu mavaiyya, Adbutham. Aa Adbuthani prathi kshanam aanandisthu preminche vaadu dorikitene thanu santosanga untundi. She is not a bad habit to be changed. She is a miracle. She would be happy only if she has a person in her life who would happily love and cherish for the Miracle she is”

She could not control her tears. Never once, no one has said something like this to her. She was not a person to take compliments. She was this crazy mad girl, who did all crazy stuff and always got scoldings from her parents. But it was her mavaiyya who understood her and would always make her feel special in the little time he could get as he was always busy. But she never thought the day would come when a person who could love her so much would stand in front of her when she was at the verge of losing hopes. She smiled. Her Bava smiled too. A smile that only she understood and saw unlike others.

She heard her mother.

“She is our daughter, our family so we can always have high hopes for her. But in today’s time from where do we find a person who would understand this and bear her?”

She so wanted to kill her mother. She had to go and spoil the moment for her. Why should anyone bear her? She was not a burden to bear.

But then she saw her Bava walking to her. Her eyes brimmed already.

“Oka chance isthava? Jeevithantam ikada patukoni cheesukuntanu. Will you give me one chance? I will look after you for a lifetime, keeping you here”

He said gesturing to his heart. She remembered saying the same thing to him just playfully. She at that time thought why couldn’t she be that girl? And today her thought, her dream was coming to true. Her words failed her. Her eyes brimmed more blurring her vision. And all she could do was utter a

“HMM”

And go into the arms of her bava who loved her so much. Much more than she could imagine or others could understand.

She felt his arm go around her and she burrowed more into him. She felt him leaning in.

“Bharinchadaniki nuvu bharuvu Kadu Vennela. Nuvu Vennela. You are not a burden to bear. But you are Vennela, moonshine.”

He stated very casually. She sobbed. At that moment, she felt her mavaiyya coming and standing behind her. She broke out and was about to move out when her bava made her stand in his hold letting his arm go around her shoulder while his other hand was casually tucked in his pant pocket.

She smiled at her mavaiyya as her tears flowed. She could see his smile. He held her bava’s shoulders in a tight grip letting his emotions to be seen through actions as she was sure that words have failed for him too.

“Jai!”

Was all he said before he took bava in his arms in a tight hug. Today their relation saw another dimension. She saw her mavaiyya calling her and she went close to them. He opened one of his arm from around her bava and wiped her tears. Sobbing she too went into his arms making her bava chuckle.

They broke out and her mavaiyya went on to his sister, her mother.

“Lakshmi! Naa koduku ki, nee koothuruni..”

“Adagala?”

Her mother smiled. Everyone were happy. She felt her bava’s arm going around her shoulder. She looked up at him.

“Amma nana dagariki ravalante, idi okate maargam. Mana pelli. Ippudike chala late ayindi bangaaram. For amma to come back to Nana, this is the only way, our marriage. Its already too late bangaaram.”

She scowled. Did he just.. She glared at him seeing him grin. Coming out of his hold, she gave him one hit behind his head making him chuckle and take her in his arms. She too smiled and she felt home in his arms.

Muraidhaana mugundhaaSaridhanna sanandhaaMuraidhaana mugundhaSaridhaanna sanandhaaIs it correct oh Mukunda?
What you are doing is correct oh Sanandha?
(Mukunda and Sanandha are other names of Lord Krishna)

Poovayar meedhu Kan meyvadhu muraiyaPaavai en nenjam Dhinam theigindra pirayaaPoathume nee konjam Thuyil kolladaaIs it right for your gaze to be all over the gopikas?(Poovayar here are gopikas)My heart is going on wearing off like a crescent moonIts all enough, please sleep

Kobiyar kulikkayile Udaigal thirudi kalaithaiYou would have become tired stealing the dresses of Gopikas as they bathedOyvedu maayavanePlease rest oh the trickster(Maayavan is the name of Lord Krishna in Tamil)

Soolaiyin naduvinela Nuzhalainthan AlaindhanI went all around the garden
tholainthen Naan unatharuginileBut got lost beside youKaanagam naduvinele Mayangi Kirangi kidanthenNaan unadhazhaginileIn the middle of the forest, I stand here lost in your beauty

Maadhavaa, yaadhavaaLeelai seidhi ennai nee kavzhilkaAs you try to impress me with all your tricksPaalai moodhi unnaium kavzhilkaThe bull hit and threw you Kaayam ennal kondiyadaaOh you are hurt because of me

Vennela came home from the office and ran inside. Her mother hit her forehead.

“Osey! Calm down! Last time you rushed and got your ankle twisted for weeks.”

But Vennela just gave her and smile and ran upstairs. Dropping her things on the table there, she ran in only to go into the arms of her Bava.

Jai who was inside their room smiled as he heard the anklets and stood on the threshold knowing his tornado will come in any moment. Not wanting a mishap like last time, he stood ready.

Chuckling he captured his running bundle in his arms. His arms went around her waist pulling her into him and while her arms effortlessly went around his neck given he was so tall. He smiled as he felt Vennela’s breath near his neck. Cupping her face Jai held her face to meet his eyes. His eyes held the intensity which reflected in hers. It has been 4 days since he saw them. Not holding back anymore, he delved and captured her lips.

Her lashes lowered as his eyes closed savoring the moment. Her hands went into his hair holding them in her fist. She fit his frame perfectly as he brought her more close to him snaking his one arm around her waist while the other kept caressing her cheek.

But then suddenly he chuckled breaking the moment. Opening her eyes, Vennela frowned.

“Emayindi Bava?”

She asked. He just looked into her eyes smirking.

“Ammayi kuda first floor lo untene annitiki bagundi.”

He said and waited smirking. And came the reaction as Vennela scowled at him and hit him on his chest. But she also giggled remembering her little feat in their earlier days enquiring about his dream girl.

“Bava!”

She admonished and he chuckled. He fell on the bed taking her with him and made her lay on him. She folded her arms over his chest and looked at him.

“Enti Bava? 4 days Hyderabad lo enjoyed eh?”

She asked raising her brows. He gave her a thoughtful expression.

“Hmm. Yeah!”

He said making her scowl. She swatted him and he chuckled letting his arm go around her while his other arm went beneath his head.

Vennela scowled but she also melted as she saw his eyes. His eyes showed her how much he missed her.

“Ayithe nenu kuda enjoy chesa le!”

Jai glared at her but chuckled looking at her raising her brow.

“Chala late ayindi bangaaram. I am so hungry”

He said. Frowning she looked up at him and seeing the mischief twinkling in his eyes, she scowled at him and was about to hit him but he just pushed her more on to him. Giggling she laid her head on his heart.

At that moment they heard.

“Pellayi padhi nelalu ayina, dheeni mental matram thaggaledu. Her craziness has not gone down even after being married for 10 months”

Vennela so wanted to kill her mother. How many times she has clarified that she was not crazy but highly intelligent.

“Only I know how intelligent you are Vennela”

He said as if he heard her thoughts. She looked at him. Tucking her fringe behind her ear he smiled.

“So intelligent that you could not even understand that I was giving you the opposite answers when you asked me about my dream girl”

Scowling she hit on his chest and got up angrily. She went to the stand and collected her things when Jai’s eyes fell on one particular design. He took that and frowned.

“Vennela? Ee AM?”

She snatched the design from him.

“Even I don’t know. Just that a couple have approached us asking for samples and gave only their initials.”

Suddenly the commotion downstairs got silent. Frowning both went down to see what was the matter. But no one was to be seen in the living room. Frowning both went outside to find everyone while Adi Babayi stood like stone.

The morning sun rose beautifully waking Vennela first. Smiling she opened her eyes and looked up to see Jai sleeping with his arm beneath his head while the other arm held her close. Slowly she came out of his hold holding the bedsheet close to her body and got down from the bed. She felt her ankle not protesting.

She smiled and looked at her husband who was sleeping peacefully. After the long driving, he was bound to be tired. She bent and pecked his forehead and straightened immediately to see him smiling in his sleep. Smiling she rushed to bathroom holding the bedsheet tightly to her body.

Jai woke up to the sound of anklets and bangles. This was his daily routine usually. But for past few days he missed them as Vennela required his help to move with that swollen ankle. He frowned, so how come today?

He opened his eyes and saw a beautiful sight. Vennela was standing there, near the human size window pane, towel drying her hair. Jai lifted his head and put it on his palm with his elbow on the pillow enjoying the sight.

Vennela who understood that her husband was awake turned to him pushing her hair behind. And their eyes locked. She walked to him never letting her eyes leave his. She slowly bend to him.

But his eyes held hers unmoving. The intensity in his eyes made her insides flutter. The small smile made her go crazy. She went close to him.

“Lechi snananiki vellu”

She said giggling and turned in a quick move letting her hair caress his face. He closed his eyes revelling in the feel and then caught her arm and pulled her to him. She gasped and fell on him. Looking into her eyes, his hand slowly went down her arm and caught the towel that was in her hand and left her. Smiling, lowering her gaze she turned trying to control the pink hue spreading on her face as he got down and tied the towel to his hip. Smiling Jai went into bathroom.

She smiled to herself as she put her earrings and combed her hair.

“Vennela!”

She heard her husband calling from bathroom. Chuckling, she took his towel and necessary garments. In these 8 months this was another habit Jai had developed. She knocked the bathroom door which opened slowly. She forwarded her arm with all the necessary items only to be pulled inside. Vennela gasped as the shower water flowed all over her. She looked at the culprit who smiled and closed in the gap.

By the time they both got ready and came down, it was too late. Vennela’s mother came to them.

“Enti? Ivala inta alasyam ayindi? Got so late today?”

She asked raising her brow. Jai looked everywhere while Vennela glared at her mother. Deva chuckled.

“No Mavaiyya. I have already missed a lot. I cannot leave the event management anymore. And I am fine now”

“And Jai is ok with it?”

“What difference does it make Nana?”

He asked making Vennela glare and Deva chuckle.

Jai tagged along Vennela to their event management office which he always does because his architecture office was also a part there. He took care of constructions for the village and made sure to get government approval through his firm.

Once in office, Jai caught her alone.

“Arjun evaru?”

“A doctor”

She said irritating him. He looked at her once and was about to leave when he heard.

“He is Kamala Peddamma and Gajapthy pedanana’s son”

He remembered his father mentioning how his cousin sister and family lost lives in the feud between the two villages. Jai turned to her. His eyes held the questions for which Vennela nodded.

Poorna looked up with sheepish expression. Jai wanted to know what he meant by that NOT VERY FAR!

“Adi.. Jai..”

“Hello Mr. Uppuluri”

And Jai breathed fire. Why was this clown even here. He turned to face Arjun.

“Yes, Mr. Dondapati”

Arjun stifled his chukle.

“Vennu is waiting for you!”

Jai looked at Poorna, then at Arjun and rushed out. But came back to stand in front of Arjun.

“Her name is Vennela”

He said and moved out. Even he did not understand why he was doing this. Shaking his head he went to Vennela who was coming down with Manasa’s help. He went and put his arm around her and helped her stand there. Vennela looked up at him and smiled, actually grinned.

Jai turned other side and smiled. Manasa giggled.

“You both!”

Manasa called shaking her head.

“Till the end, you did not tell me why you called us here Manasa”

Trust Jai to break out the question at the right moment. Vennela shook her head at Manasa.

“Come on Jai! You have been hiding for more than a year and you have been hiding Vennela from us for more than 8 months. Don’t you think as a part of your family we are also entitled to get to know Vennela?”

Jai smiled. Indeed. This family has also become a part of his family. They reached the threshold when Jai frowned.

“Manasa.. Uma Babayi?”

“He has gone with Amma and Nana to London.”

Jai smiled. Everything has changed for good indeed. Jai was about to go to car when Vennela turned and saw Arjun standing beside Manasa.

“Bava! You go. I will come”

“But how will you..”

“Bava..!”

She called him sternly.

“Vellu”

Saying she pushed him. Manasa and Arjun came and stood beside her holding her from each side. Vennela smiled at both of them and looked at Jai who was also smiling. Vennela is always loved by everyone.

But he couldn’t help but glare at Arjun once before turning.

Smiling, Vennela turned to Arjun.

“Arjun!”

Arjun turned to her.

“Planning to visit Chinna Mavaiyya?”

Arjun hung his head.

“He will not be angry Arjun. Instead he will be happy to see you living your dreams.”

“I will bring him there Vennela”

Vennela smiled at Manasa and nodded her head.

“Will be waiting for you two”

Saying she hugged both of them and walked to the car with their help. Once there, Jai helped her inside and their car started after bidding Adieu to everyone.

As the car crossed the big home, a silence prevailed. It was a very soothing silence. No one tried to break the silence. It was little touches, caresses and secret smiles that filled the car that night as they travelled back to Rentachintala.

It was almost midnight when they reached home. Jai silently carried Vennela to their room and he went to change to casuals leaving back Vennela to change too, making sure she was fine.

He entered their room wearing his night pants and loose tops. He saw Vennela sitting on the dressing table and removing her earrings. He stood beside her and removed the clip that held her hair together.

Vennela smiled as a pink hue spread across her cheek. Slowly his hand travelled down her arm creating sparks in her. Slowly his palms closed on her palms and their arms crossed over her front as he leaned in and placed his head on hers. Both looked at each other through the mirror. His eyes carried the intensity while her eyes lowered bashfully.

“Vennela..”

He whispered with all the love he had in him for her.

“Bava..”

She whispered back.

“Happy birthday Vennela”

Vennela smiled. Her first and last wish, given by her Bava. Suddenly she felt floating in air and realized that Jai was carrying her in his arms. Smiling she circled her arms around his neck. Jai smiled down at her. He placed her on their bed. And looked into her eyes. He leaned in. She looked at him and he eyes reflected the fire in him.

But he instead gave her peck on her forehead. He moved away and caressed her ankle that looked a little swollen.

“Sleep Vennela! Good night”

Saying he was about to move away when he felt Vennela hold his hand. He turned and felt her pull him. He fell on her and her palm cupped his face as her gaze met his.

“I am fine”

She said answering his concern and smiled. Holding his tops collar she pulled him more closer and Jai gave in as her lips touched his. And Jai lost himself in his very own Moonshine as the half moon in the sky glowed bright as if smiling down on them.

After a very very long time, Vennela smiled as she hid her face more into her husband’s bare chest. Jai’s arms were around her holding her close to him. She looked up at him and saw the satisfied smile on his face. He looked down at her as their eyes showed each other how much love they have for each other.

But then Jai frowned. Vennela grew worried.

“Emaiyindi Bava?”

“You forgot your medicines!”

Vennela’s face grew red, but this time in anger. What will she do with her unromantic husband?

Only one thing came to her mind. She raised her left hand that was free from his hold and gave him a hit behind his head.

Jai who expected this, chuckled and pecked her forehead. Then keeping his cheek on her head, hugging her close to his heart, he fell into a peaceful slumber. And as her Bava’s heartbeats lulled her, Vennela closed her eyes with a smile hiding herself more into him.

He walked inside his home smiling thinking of taking her somewhere. She had been eating his brain to take her out somewhere. He waited for her to come running to him holding her langa calling him Bava.

But he frowned not hearing those words, nor her voice anywhere in his home.

“Amma!”

He called for his mother.

His mother came out and took his equipments. Even she looked tired and off.

“Emayindi amma? Vennela Ekada? Where is Vennela?”

His mother shook her head.

“Dhaani Nana vachi theeskelli poyaru Jai! Her father came and took her back to Village”

Jai’s world lost its light all of a sudden.

“Jai!”

His mother called him bringing him back.

“You want coffee?”

He could only shake his head. He went to his room. Everything felt lifeless. His own room felt alien. He just went about doing his routine.

Latha kept watching her son’s robotic ways.

Next morning, Jai smiled as he heard..

“Bava! Coffee!”

Everyday morning, the way Vennela stood in front of him wearing that very distracting Lehenga oni of hers and gave him coffee always made his day. He opened his eyes only to see empty space. He frowned.

Where was Vennela?

In office he looked through the glass door of the cabin and smiled seeing Vennela sitting there frowning at the laptop.

SIR!

His PA called. And Suddenly Vennela’s cabin was empty. He frowned. What is happening?

This went on for few days and Latha observed every single thing about her son. But she waited for him to open up, until that phone call came.

That evening when he went home, his mother was sitting on the living room sofa waiting for him. He kept his equipments and went to her. He sat on the floor in front of her.

His mother’s questions brought him the memories of all the moments he spent with his cousin. All her silly antics, her asking about his expectations on his bride, her getting irritated by his answers, the way she without any hesitation drove him proudly on her TVS and introduced to her groom as lover…

He chuckled.

He frowned at his own chuckle. And it dawned on him. He missed her badly. But more than that, he missed himself. She had become a part of himself in this short span of time.

His face brightened up. He looked up at his mother who still sat there with neutral face of hers.

“Jai..! Vennela’s parents have got her a groom from US”

And his face lost its brightness. What was kept in US?

“Amma..”

“Jai! Tell me one thing. Are you serious about Vennela? I don’t want all those stories you said in college times when you were dating few girls”

Jai thought of himself in last few days and days before that, with Vennela. Both were clear as day and night.

“Amma! I am very much serious”

And he saw his mother smile. She ruffled his hair.

“So..”

“I am going to Rentachintala.”

Latha grinned.

“I will pack this place up. You go first and I will follow you after settling this place. I think we have been away from our family for a long time.”

Jai smiled and got up and got ready to leave. His mother stood at the threshold and called him..

“Oh and Jai..”

He turned to her opening his car door.

“Vennela also loves you. She just called me and said”

Jai’s smile grew wide. His mother was right. He has been away for long. Not anymore. He is going to get his Vennela. He smiled and started his car that took him on the journey towards his life.